The Hours of a Caregiver

Choosing to have a caregiver assist in helping with your loved one's activities of daily living can be an overwhelming process. There are a series of things to consider when creating the schedule of the needs of your loved one. One specific factor that must be heavily considered is the number of hours that your family member will need when with a home care agency. 

With home care agencies such as Aroga, our specialists provide a state-of-the-art client assessment. In this assessment, our team analyzes the forms of care as well as hours that will be needed for your family member. When deciphering which hours will be most feasible for your loved one, one must be aware of how home care services can be provided.

Boutique agencies such as Aroga offer their clients flexible scheduling hours that best accommodate the needs of the client. From 4 hour shifts to live-in-based cases, Aroga offers a wide selection of hour services. Aroga also customizes the daily schedule of your loved one's needs. For instance, while one of Aroga’s illustrious caregivers is servicing the needs of your loved one, your family members' customized scheduling hours can be tailored to promote dignity and independence. A morning schedule could consist of:

  • Bathing – At a minimum, seniors should shower or bathe at least once or twice a week to minimize the risk of infection and skin breakdown. If traditional bathing is not possible, a thorough wipe down of the armpits, genitals, groin, feet, and any skin folds can help prevent body odors.

  • Hygiene – Basic hygiene practices should be followed daily. This includes teeth brushing (or denture care), hair combing, and the use of skin ointments or lotions if necessary, to keep skin soft and moisturized. Caregivers can also help seniors pick out and put on clean clothes.

  • Breakfast – Seniors should never miss breakfast. Caregivers can help prepare a healthy breakfast and assist with feeding if needed.

  • Activities – Morning activities can vary from person to person but may include breakfast cleanup, reading the newspaper, enjoying a cup of coffee, listening to music, gardening, taking a walk, or similar activities.

Even if your loved one prefers afternoon servicing, Aroga offers flexible servicing hours, making each client feel fulfilled. Many seniors spend their afternoons enjoying relaxing activities, attending doctor appointments or other obligations, or completing important chores around the home. An example of tasks found in a daily schedule of an in-home caregiver include:

Lunch – Start the afternoon with a delicious lunch. Seniors can help prepare simple lunches like sandwiches, salads, or cut-up fruit and veggies. After lunch, caregivers can assist with washing dishes and other light housework duties.

  • Activities – Afternoon activities can range depending on the person’s unique interests. Some seniors enjoy doing crafts or exercising in the afternoon, while others would prefer to visit a friend or go on an outing. An in-home caregiver can assist with all types of activities. It is important to encourage seniors to exercise not just their bodies, but also their minds. Crossword puzzles and other ‘thinking’ games can be useful for boosting cognitive function.

  • Nap – Resting is important for seniors, no matter how active they are during the day. Many seniors enjoy some relaxation time in the afternoon. This may involve a short nap or just resting on the couch while watching a movie or listening to music. In the warmer months of the year, sitting outdoors can also be relaxing.

Finally, Aroga offers care servicing hours for the needs of your loved one in the evening as well. In the evening, caregivers and seniors can finish up their day with dinner, an enjoyable activity, and a few simple tasks to prepare for bed. A few things to add to an evening schedule include:

  • Dinner – Although dinner is the final meal of the day, it should not be too heavy as this can cause digestive upset. Ideally, seniors should eat at least two to three hours before going to bed to allow the body time to properly digest the food. After dinner, an in-home caregiver can assist with kitchen cleanup.

  • Dessert – Many seniors enjoy a light dessert after dinner. Coffee and dessert are a great way to end the day. Eating dessert also creates the perfect setup for conversation. It is important for seniors to continue engaging in conversation to reduce the likelihood of developing mood disorders like depression.

  • Activities – Any activities done after dinner should be relaxing to help the person wind down for bed. Some great after-dinner activities include watching a movie, playing a game of cards, or taking a warm bath.

  • Bed – At the end of the evening, in-home caregivers can help get seniors ready for bed. This typically includes tasks like changing clothes and teeth brushing. If necessary, a caregiver can also change the linens on the bed and pull back the covers.

 

How to make Aroga your Home Care Agency:

Making Aroga your loved ones' chosen Home care Agency is only a few steps away! Aroga Home Care Services is your go-to highly reputable home care agency provider, located at 7731 Little Ave, Charlotte, NC 28226. Make the first step in helping your loved one by contacting Aroga today and requesting a professional home care adviser consultationwww.ArogaHomeCare.com or call 704-319-5500




Content Credits: Aroga Home Care